Stay true to your priorities. A Harvard graduate, Natalie Portman once said "I'd rather be smart than be a movie star," which she proved when she took a hiatus from films to pursue a college education. Portman also made her preferences clear at the young age of 9, when a Revlon agent approached her to model and she explained she would prefer to be an actress.
Avoid personal-life press confessionals. "Everyone I'm close to knows everything about me" Portman once told "USA Today." "But I have friends to tell my problems to, and I have no desire to tell them to strangers. Public confessional is not something I'm tempted to do."
Lend your support to causes you believe in. In addition to her animal rights advocacy, the ever-classy Portman serves as the Ambassador of Hope for FINCA International, which provides small-business loans to women in developing countries. Plus, she supports Pediatric AIDS research.
Keep away from scandal to stay out of the tabloids. For many stars, this is easier said than done. Portman, however, has managed to avoid scandals in the way of drugs, DUI arrests and feuds with other starlets, which seem to plague young Hollywood.
Pay homage to other classy actresses. "Harper's Bazaar" featured Portman on their November 2006 cover all decked out in the dress that Audrey Hepburn wore in "Breakfast at Tiffany's." The photo fueled further Portman-Hepburn comparisons due to their physical resemblance, intelligence and demure sophistication.